FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Some advice on decision-making

Some advice on decision-making

MAKING WELL-INFORMED DECISIONS

Q: Although it may outwardly appear to many people that I am a happy person who seems to be enjoying a successful career, I am actually very unhappy and frustrated deep inside. The price I have to pay for this high-sounding position is very heavy; having to shoulder the high demands and expectations from my bosses, rushing to complete never-ending tasks that need to be completed like ‘yesterday’, pushing an exhausted team of people to perform with speed, and doing many other crazy things.
I am now beginning to wonder whether it is really worth my while staying on where I am. The only hurdle that is stopping me is the family. They can enjoy a good lifestyle with the good money that I earn here. I am at a crossroads as I am really torn between these two sides. What shall I do next? 
 
Hobson’s choice
A: It really depends on what you want in life, which goes back to the values that you want to live out. Is your life worth more than the money you earn, or is the money earned worth enough to take the pains that you are incurring? At this point in your life, what matters most? 
The Bottom Line: Whichever ‘side’ you want to take will be shaped by the reality you want to see. Indeed, there is no clear right answer depending on what ‘lenses’ you want to wear that will tell you what shape is perfect or imperfect for you in the life you want or have now.
If you want to see yourself unlucky with everything working against you, then quit. However, if you want to see yourself as lucky and appreciate yourself for having come this far as compared to others, then you should stay on. You can even see your present work condition as a training ground to make you stronger and capable for the next phase of your life.
Really, life is like a ball, you can play it anyway you want. The ‘player’ decides it. 
Powerful Questions: What do your values tell you to do? What are the up and down sides of each option? Which one matters most to you at this point in your life? What are you prepared to give up for the decision you want to make? 
 
EARNING RESPECT 
Q: I was appointed as a supervisor to four subordinates several months ago. Things are not going well here because they always compare me with their previous boss, whom they describe as vocal and someone who went out of his way to defend them. In contrast to him, I am very slow and do not talk much. Even in a conflict situation, I would rather be a listener than a ‘fighter’. 
They expect me to fight for them even in situations where I feel they are more wrong than right. Instead, I actually expect them to be accountable for the mistakes, acknowledge them and move on by making improvements. I refuse to budge even with such ‘pressure’ from them.
So I feel I am only 50 per cent of what they expect me to be as an ideal superior. I want more respect from them, but will not change just to earn more from them. What shall I do? 
 
Torn apart 
A: One reality you need to face is that a good leader is not about winning a popularity contest. You need to know that you are put there for a good reason. They probably know the type of person you are and your capabilities. So you’ve got to get real here, as you are serving both the organisation and subordinates at the same time.
The best advice is to let your conscience be your judge of what you are and your actions. 
The Bottom Line: In moving forward, take cognisance of some ‘truths’ in what they are saying; for instance, about your ‘quiet nature’. If this ‘quiet nature’ is a liability, then do something about it. Perhaps it is not literally about you being ‘quiet’, or wrong to be as such. Perhaps what they are trying to express is that they want a leader who is an advocator, who has a cause and who goes out of the way to express it and make it known to relevant people.
Seen from this perspective, it is a fact that a leader needs to be an advocator for a cause they are fighting for, so that they can rally support from their people. But, also be a good listener to your people; set out your expectations while allowing them to set theirs out, too; always hear out their views first, and then work towards reaching a compromise. 
Once you have this, you will not remain quiet anymore about what your subordinates are saying about you. Instead, you will be upfront where you will face them, explain your position and ensure you are heard.
I am sure they will accept your leadership style with respect for you, without you having to force it on them. 
Powerful Questions: How do you want to see yourself as a leader of your people? What are some truths about what they are saying about your leadership style? What will working on them give you? What are you already doing to be a leader that is a fair compromise for all concerned? 
 
Corporate Coach Academy is a coaching school in Asia to certify leaders of all backgrounds to become manager-coaches or professional certified coaches in this region. Log in to www.corporate-coachacademy.com or e-mail [email protected] for details.
 
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